IN the first of a series Wiltshire Police vehicle crime officer, Pc Jerry Oakes, offers his advice on how to defeat the car criminal.

"We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country, with many fine walking areas surrounded by lovely rolling farmland," he said

"Unfortunately there are people who rely on the isolated locations of these walks and farms to commit crime.

"I have two messages this week. The first is to anybody out walking in the countryside. Please, please never leave any valuables in your car.

"Often thieves will hide in bushes nearby and will watch people hide valuables in the boot of the car then break into it as soon as they have walked off. Cumbersome as it is, always take your handbag and cameras etc with you.

"Secondly, with regard to farms, we often get reports of suspicious cars around farmland.

"Clearly we would like to check out these people to see what they are doing.

"We find that these vehicles often come from many miles away and it is apparent that criminals will travel considerable distances in a day to commit crime.

"It is imperative that if anyone sees anything suspicious they call the police immediately.

"Remember - don't delay, call straight away."